As part of a global movement, British Sikh farmers drove through Birmingham and the Black Country to spread awareness and support for farmers in India. This protest was in response to the new agricultural laws implemented by India's prime minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian state ratified these new laws in September 2020 and have dismissed any appeals against them. They have been seen by many as immoral and unjust as a huge percentage of the Punjabi population are either working as farmers or have family who is linked to farming. Without any input or negotiation from Kisaan unions, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of India introduced three news laws. The new agricultural bills remove price guarantees that protect the livelihoods of farmers who are already on tight margins which will lead to debt. There are fears and possibilities that farmers lands will be 'taken' or 'snatched' away by higher authorities.
Twitter Image: Posted from @GV_music
Birmimgham Kisaan Rally
It has been said that the situation affecting farmers has worsened over a long period. Over a thousand farmers have committed suicide each year in Punjab since 2000. Laws may have been negotiated but the situation required urgent and major change. At the time of writing, the Indian regime seems resolute in its position which is to use the media to attack protesters while forcing legislation through the courts.
The rally started at Guru Har Rai Gurdwara in West Bromwich with protesters driving to the Indian consulate at 1 pm in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Protestors arrived in lorries, tractors, and trucks setting off smoke flares with bright orange and yellow colours with bold signs and labels supporting the Kisaan. The positive atmosphere was accompanied by flags, Punjabi music, and beeping from cars.
There have been many positive responses towards the rallies: @uksikhupdates have stated in a couple of words that it has 'shown unity' and 'when there is a global issue, this shows that our Sikhs can be united as one' - via Instagram.
The Sikh Press Association shared their response to the rally during an interview:
"We have been heartened by the recognition that these peaceful protests have recieved. It took some time for the general public, politicians, and the media in the West to get behind the protest. At first, the coverage of the protests was very minimal until Prime Minister Boris Johnson was asked in Parliment about the situatuion by MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi. The PM seemed oblivious to what was happening in India and so it began to make headlines".
"The most important concept to take away from these rallies is to believe in thr power of the Sangat. When decent, hard working peoply rally around a noble cause which ignites their emotion, anything can happen. The injustice being inflicted by the Indian regime on the farmers is one that is felt by any truthful person around the world. There is immense power when those people come together to fight against it, we must use oir strength to instigate positive change".
Image resource
Rani Bathinda: Youtube
West Midlands Police have been monitoring the rally's and posting updates on twitter:
There have been warnings for traffic disruption throughout Birmingham, West Bromwich, the Jewellery Quarter. Police have urged those to limit social contact to reduce the spread of coronavirus with strict regulations being put in place for public safety. It has been highlighted that the current situation means that these 'type of gatherings' pose as a threat to public health and people must act responsibly in the area. Protesters must be doing everything they can to 'protect others from harm' and are considerate of areas that are still in very high alert.
A West Midlands Ambulance spokesman also tweeted: "If you are taking part in today's rallies please can we ask that you cooperate without crews. If you see an ambulance on blue lights and sirens, please let them through so they can attend patients as quickly and safely as possible".
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